To rev recruitment, CBP turns to NASCAR

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Look out DuPont, Viagra and Penske. There’s a new name getting ready to race around that NASCAR track — the Border Patrol.

The Homeland Security Department’s Customs and Border Protection agency has announced it is planning to be the primary sponsor of a car in 29 races in the United States during the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series. The department also will set up job recruiting booths at the races.

CBP has been criticized for a shortage of agents. It plans to add more than 3,000 agents by the end of the year. DHS hopes to add another 1,700 in fiscal 2009 to reach 20,000.

"It's a proven recruiting method that has produced results for others," said CBP spokesman Michael Friel. The military has had success using NASCAR to recruit people, for example, he added.